Meet Michelle, a volunteer with POOPs (Pets of Older Persons) sharing their story as part of our ‘Share Your Story’ Series.
Volunteering for POOPs (Pets of Older Persons) offers numerous joys and positive outcomes:
Emotional Fulfillment
Walking dogs for our senior community members brings a deep sense of satisfaction and joy. Knowing you are making a meaningful difference in both the lives of the seniors and their pets can enhance your emotional well-being and theirs.
Physical Exercise
Regular dog walking provides an excellent form of physical exercise, which helps improve cardiovascular health and enhances overall health and fitness.
Social Interaction
Volunteering for POOPs can foster social connections. It provides opportunities to interact with people, share stories, and develop friendships, combating feelings of loneliness and isolation for both the volunteers and the seniors.
Improved Mental Health
Spending time with dogs is known to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The companionship of dogs, along with the act of volunteering, can significantly boost mental health.
Community Engagement
Volunteering with POOPs helps build a stronger, more compassionate community. It encourages a culture of caring and support, benefiting everyone involved.
Skill Development
Walking dogs and interacting with our senior community members can develop various skills, including empathy, communication, self-confidence, responsibility and time management.
Happiness of the Pets
Dogs receive regular exercise and attention, contributing to their overall happiness and well-being. This can lead to better behavior and improved health for the pets.
Support for Elderly Independence
By ensuring their pets are well cared for, you help elderly individuals maintain their independence and continue enjoying the companionship of their beloved pets.
Overall, volunteering for POOPs enriches the lives of our seniors, their pets, and the volunteers, creating a cycle of positive, mutually beneficial outcomes.
